definitions
What terms mean
Definitions are statements that explain the meaning of words, terms, or concepts.
A good definition captures what distinguishes something from everything else, providing enough detail to recognize instances of it.
In dictionaries, definitions range from brief glosses to elaborate explorations of a word's semantic territory.
The term also applies outside language: mathematicians offer definitions of geometric shapes, lawyers define legal terms, and philosophers seek definitions of abstract concepts like justice or truth.
The definitions in this dictionary emphasize actual usage over prescription.
Alphabetical word reference
- glossaryAlphabetical list with definitions
- lexiconVocabulary of a language
- thesaurusSynonym and antonym compendium
- wordbookCompiled vocabulary reference
encyclopedia · compendium · reference · terminology · nomenclature · vocabulary · entry · headword
Act of explaining clearly
- expositionSystematic explanatory presentation
- explicationDetailed interpretive analysis
- clarificationMaking meaning plain
- annotationAdded explanatory comment
gloss · commentary · paraphrase · description · illustration · simplification · elaboration · interpretation
Openness to multiple interpretations
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
- contextCircumstances shaping meaning
- connotationImplied sense, not dictionary
- subtextImplicit meaning beneath words
inference · implication · polysemy · hermeneutics · exegesis · construal · reading · meaning-making
Accuracy of measurement
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
- unambiguousAllowing single interpretation only
- distinctClearly distinguishable, separate
- lucidMentally sharp and comprehensible
crystal-clear · coherent · intelligible · comprehensible · understandable · articulate · concise · straightforward
Formal boundary setting
- delineationPrecise description or demarcation
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
- scopeExtent or range
- limitsImposed maximum points
constraints · criteria · specification · characterization · outlining · framing · circumscription · distinction
dictionary
Alphabetical word reference
- glossaryAlphabetical list with definitions
- lexiconVocabulary of a language
- thesaurusSynonym and antonym compendium
wordbook · encyclopedia · compendium · reference · terminology · nomenclature · vocabulary · entry · headword · etymology
elucidation
Act of explaining clearly
- expositionSystematic explanatory presentation
- explicationDetailed interpretive analysis
- clarificationMaking meaning plain
annotation · gloss · commentary · paraphrase · description · illustration · simplification · elaboration · interpretation · decoding
ambiguity
Openness to multiple interpretations
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
- contextCircumstances shaping meaning
- connotationImplied sense, not dictionary
subtext · inference · implication · polysemy · hermeneutics · exegesis · construal · reading · meaning-making · semiotics
precision
Accuracy of measurement
- explicitClearly and directly expressed
- unambiguousAllowing single interpretation only
- distinctClearly distinguishable, separate
lucid · crystal-clear · coherent · intelligible · comprehensible · understandable · articulate · concise · straightforward · clear-cut
demarcation
Formal boundary setting
- delineationPrecise description or demarcation
- parametersDefined boundaries or constraints
- scopeExtent or range
limits · constraints · criteria · specification · characterization · outlining · framing · circumscription · distinction · categorization
- dictionariesdictionary, dictionaries, entries, headwords, bilingual dictionary
- Word Lover Topicswordplay, puns, anagrams, crosswords, word games
- word studyword origins, word roots, word meaning, word meanings, word formation
- Chinese dictionariesdictionaries, Chinese-English, English-Chinese, entries, headwords
- dictionary elementsheadwords, entries, lemmas, etymologies, pronunciation guides
- elucidationsclarifications, explanations, interpretations, expositions, explications
definitionsambiguities
Multiple possible meanings
vagueness · obscurities · confusions · uncertainties · muddles
definitionsexamples
Particular illustrative instances
instances · illustrations · specimens · cases · demonstrations
definitionsopen-endedness
Absence of fixed limits
boundlessness · amorphousness · formlessness · fluidity · unboundedness
- high definitionSuperior visual resolution
- by definitionAs a matter of meaning
- dictionary definitionA word's stated meaning
- muscle definitionVisible contour of physique
- working definitionTentative operational meaning
- standard definitionCommonly accepted interpretation